International Women’s Day event in Charlottetown focuses on #MeToo

Helen Yang- "There are lots of responsibilities as a woman, you have so many relationships you have to touch. I am so busy taking care of my family and keeping life colourful. Women should always keep an open mind."

Tony Davis- "I always think about all the powerful men in history and the women who backed them up. I wouldn't be going to college if it weren't for my high school teacher, Ms. Coffin. She's a sweetheart, and never let me give up, even during hard times."

Emma MacPhail- "My mom said something to me that changed my outlook on life, 'Everyone has their own crap.' Now when I'm complaining about something, I think about that. Thanks for the wisdom, Mom."

Taylor Walsh- "I'm one of those women who wears her heart on her sleeve. I just feel for other people, and I love that about myself. My mom is a hard-worker and has taught me the importance of balance."

Emma Hill- "My biggest role model is my mom. She's a stay at home mom and stopped working when I was born. She taught me everything I know, she's such a beautiful person. I love her so much and she helped me through the hardest time of my life."

Joel Fitzpatrick- "I was raised mainly by women, so I have a huge appreciation. A big thing I've learned is to treat everyone how you expect to be treated, my nanny always says that."

Jazlyn Syvret and Laura Harwood- "We think it's important to have this day because it might inspire someone to feel empowered. Even though we all have such different lives, down to our core we're all going through similar things."

Dale Allen- "Every female is a positive role model. It's a special day for women to relax and reflect, which is really important."

Krista Gormley- "It's important to take advantage of the day and appreciate the women that came before us, who fought for our rights. Sometimes we take that for granted."

J.D Hughes- "I just want to thank my mom for loving me, no matter what. She put up with all of my crap and didn't kill me. Love you, Mom."

Adriane Gaudet- "My twin sister is my biggest inspiration. She's made me who I am today because she's literally half of me. She's living in Australia now, raising a baby, and her whole family is here. She's amazing."

Madison Acorn- "Women's day is so important. I love seeing women building other women up. Her accomplishment is your accomplishment."

(In the photos above, we asked Islanders to reflect on what International Women’s Day means to them. Photos by Emily Acorn and Grace Gormley)

CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. - It’s a historic time for women around the world, said the MC at Thursday’s International Women’s Day event in Charlottetown.

Bollywood dancers Garima Mishra, left, and Rinku Upadhyaya strike a pose prior to the International Women’s Day event held at Trinity United Church in Charlottetown on Thursday. Their performance certainly jazzed up the crowd because everyone joined in.

“This year, International Women’s Day comes on the heels of an unprecedented movement for women’s rights,’’ said Farahnaz Rezaci.

“Equality and justice, sexual harassment, violence and discrimination against women has captured headlines and there is a public demand for change.’’

Anyone who has been following the news, especially the entertainment news in the United States, is all too aware of those headlines. Multiple celebrities have been accused of sexual harassment. Accusations against movie mogul Harvey Weinstein helped create the powerful #MeToo movement.

“People around the world are mobilizing for a future that is more equal,’’ Rezaci said.

“We’re in the midst of a cultural shift,’’ Kilfoil said, noting that much more needs to be done to protect women in the home and at the workplace. “We can see and feel the change.’’

Thursday’s event included Bollywood dancing by Garima Mishra and Rinku Upadhyaya, which featured audience participation, and a Bboyizm demonstration by 10-year-old Jordan Legere. The gender neutral version of O Canada! was also played, as was a touching screening of the Canada Heritage Minute vignette featuring Lucy Maud Montgomery talking about her passion for the Island and battle with depression.

The International Women’s Day event in Charlottetown on Thursday included many fun activities. Here, 10-year-old Jordan Legere gives a Bboyizm demonstration.

Yvonne Deagle, chairwoman of the Advistory Council on the Status of Women, said the event was titled Time to Make Waves because it’s time for women to stand up for their rights.

“I think women really have to make the effort to put it out there,’’ Deagle said. “We need to get together and support one another and be strong for each other, not only here but all around the world.’’

While women have made and continue to make strides, Deagle said there is plenty left to do. She pointed to poverty and equality as two of the bigger issues.

“I think my main concern would be to make sure that the movement keeps going.

“I think the #MeToo movement has brought a lot of (issues) out that people weren’t aware of (with) all of the scandals that are going on. I think that has helped. Unfortunately, it shouldn’t have come to this but it’s here and it’s creating a lot of publicity. It shows that we are done (accepting this behaviour).’’

It appears that Bollywood dancing is infectious. Everyone attending the International Women’s Day event in Charlottetown got in on the fun when Bollywood dancers Garima Mishra and Rinku Upadhyaya, not pictured, got up to perform.